As Notting Hill Carnival approaches its 60th anniversary this year, the mayor of London has pledged £4.66 million in additional funding to help organisers manage potential overcrowding and safety challenges following an independent review, ensuring that one of the world’s largest celebrations of Caribbean culture can continue to entertain and boost the city’s economy while remaining secure for all attendees.

The funding announcement comes as organisers prepare for what is expected to be a milestone celebration, marking six decades since the first Notting Hill Carnival in 1966. The additional resources will help manage crowd density, safety protocols, and logistical challenges identified in an external review, with the aim of creating a safe and enjoyable experience for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who flock to west London each year.

Notting Hill Carnival is renowned globally as a vibrant celebration of Caribbean history, music, and dance, attracting millions of visitors and generating nearly £400 million for the London economy according to City Hall. The event’s growth in size and popularity has placed increasing pressure on safety and security, prompting the mayor to take action.

Sir Sadiq Khan said,

"The growth in size and popularity of the event meant safety and security needed to be improved, and I am stepping in with the support to ensure that this hugely important event for our capital can take place, as we build a better London for everyone."

The decision has faced criticism from some political figures, including Susan Hall, the leader of the City Hall Conservatives, who questioned whether the funds could have been better used. She stated,

"It could have saved the two police counters in Kensington & Chelsea from closure, along with others across London, but instead will be given as a blank cheque to Notting Hill Carnival."

She continued,

"My report last year was very clear that structural reform is necessary to prevent a mass crushing event at Notting Hill, and this money is not that. I want Labour politicians to look voters in the eye and explain why we're losing frontline officers to fund this."

Supporters of the carnival welcomed the funding, emphasising the importance of safety while preserving the festival’s cultural heritage. Ian Comfort, chair of Notting Hill Carnival Ltd, said the mayor's support meant they could put on a "safe, spectacular and sustainable carnival." He explained,

"From its beginnings in September 1966, when Rhaune Laslett sought to bring unity to a neighbourhood marked by racial tension, poor housing and social division, the carnival has grown from a small local street party into a global cultural institution."

Comfort added that the funding would allow organisers to take responsibility for certain duties historically managed by the Metropolitan Police, enabling officers to focus on core policing tasks during the event. Matthew Phillips, chief executive of Carnival Village Trust, which organises the street festival, also highlighted the importance of the grant, stating that the carnival "could not have gone ahead safely without the funding."

Recent incidents at the carnival illustrate the need for enhanced security measures. In the 2025 event, 528 people were arrested, two individuals were stabbed, and 55 police officers were assaulted. Comparatively, the 2024 carnival saw 334 arrests, eight stabbings, and two fatalities including one person who died in hospital after being punched in a separate incident. Phillips said,

"The Met have said that they can't continue in the way that they were and without them in place, it would have been concerning."

The funding will support at least 1,000 additional security personnel, crowd safety experts, and infrastructure such as barriers and wi-fi systems to allow safety teams to communicate quickly if they detect anti-social behaviour during the carnival. This investment aims to ensure that the festival remains a safe and enjoyable celebration while maintaining its status as a world-renowned cultural event.